Traveling to the Amazon Rainforest can be challenging in terms of luggage. You’ll be taking all kinds of transportation systems: jeeps, vans, canoes, motor boats, etc and you will be walking a lot too. High temperatures and mosquitoes don’t make things easy either!

This list compiles the most essential stuff I recommend packing for a trip to the jungle and has the goal to avoid the common “I wish I had brought this or that”. I hope it’s helpful for my fellow travelers.

1. The bag itself
While backpacks can be bit uncomfortable to pack and unpack they are indeed the most recommended for the Amazon as you may have to carry your stuff short distances. A soft bag with handles may do the job too but try avoiding rolling suitcases unless you know for sure someone will be able to help you carry it. A small daypack it’s also useful for the excursions.

2. Long sleeve shirts
It’s hot yes, but when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites it doesn’t matter. And in the Amazon plants also bite so you don’t want to touch them with your skin! Bring at least 2 or 3 long sleeve shirts that are breathable and not tight as mosquitoes will bite you through the fabric!

3. Pants
Again, long and breathable as the shirts. I would recommend at least 2 in case they get wet or very dirty. The ones with a zipper that transform into shorts are useful though I personally don’t like them …

5. Sturdy shoes
I don’t think you need hiking boots as you are not doing heavy climbing. A pair of basic sneakers that you don’t mind getting ruined will do the work. You should pack two 3-4 pairs of socks as you certainly don’t want mosquitoes and other insects on the ground to climb up your foot.

7. THE strongest bug spray repellant
Yes, THE strongest. Yes, the smell is not sexy but it has to contain 100% DEET (diethyl-metatoluamide) and you have to at least spray yourself 3-4 times a day. As an advice, don’t go for anything lighter, those mosquitoes are monsters and they may transmit a good deal of diseases.

10. Head and hair accessories
Don’t forget a brimmed hat or a baseball cap. Again, the sun is stronger than you think. The climate gets quite sticky too so I would also pack a bunch of hair ties and a headband

Brazilian megalopolis is the economic engine of the South American giant. Culture, cuisine, shopping, business and entertainment all get mixed up together. Here you can explore the legendary Avenida Paulista and the exclusive Oscar Freire, stroll through Ibirapuera Park, attend an unforgettable football match and finish enjoying one of the best nights of Brazil in its hundreds of restaurants and nightclubs.

More: We recommend the the charming pousada of Guest 607 in the Pinheiros neighborhood where you’ll feel at home. A great starting point for exploring the city.
2. Conociendo a los misteriosos Moais – Isla de Pascua, Chile

An island with yet too many mysteries to be solved. Lost in the Pacific Ocean, the volcanic Easter Island or Rapa Nui is one of the most remote inhabited islands of the world. More than 800 Moais keep the island safe, enormous stone sculptures spread through the island that were built by the ancient Rapa Nuis.How to get there: Fly from Santiago de Chile to Mataveri International Airport.More:A wonderful stay at La Perouse Guest House3. Desierto y Geiseres en Atacama, Chile

Northern Chile is home to the world’s driest desert and its salt flats, hot springs and geysers as well as large deposits of copper and other minerals and mines in Chuquicamata, Calama and other parts of the altiplano. It is inhabited by some of the country’s most interesting native people making it an opportunity to interact and contribute directly to the Aymara communities while enjoying adventure sports in unique landscapes.

How to get there: Most people who go to tour the sites in the desert stay in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, 98km from the nearest airport at Calama but there are other starting points to explore the desert free of mass tourism, such as the city of Iquique .More: Místico Outdoors leads adventure excursions, ranging from beautiful dayhikes to exciting overnight mountain bike tours, and much more.4. Cruzando el Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The beautiful Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. The Salar de Uyuni was formed when a prehistoric lake, Lake Minchin, dried up and left a salty crust behind. When it rains, the salty crust becomes a giant mirror.

How to get there: The town of Uyuni is your starting point. Uyuni is a seven-hour drive from Potosí; 12-15 hours drive La Paz. The seven-hour train ride from Oruro is also a scenic access option.More: Stay at Hotel Luna Salada, One of the most incredible hotels in the world, built with authentic salt blocks. 5. Barahona intacta, República Dominicana

Barahona is a still unspoiled and secluded southwest region of the Dominican Republic. Its rich landscape – a flawless union between the beautiful beaches and the majestic mountains – is a welcome invitation to eco-tourism. Do not miss witnessing the colorful sunsets from the sandy shores of the Caribbean Sea, exploring the magical mysteries of the verdant pine tree forests or tasting the local favorite, tilapia in coconut sauce.

How to get there: A 3 hour drive from Santo Domingo International Airport.More: Enjoy a wonderful stay at Casa Bonita, a secluded paradise in the DR!6. Nadando en el Cielo, Hopkins, Belice

Belize, a small territory sharing borders with México and Guatemala is one of the world’s last unspoiled destinations. Its people are said to be the nicest in the world. From a relaxing beach stay, to hikes into rain forest, Maya sites and day trips offshore for snorkeling, scuba diving or deep sea fishing. At Hopkins, which is known as the cultural center of the Garifuna, you can take in traditional drum and dance shows and learn about their friendly culture.

How to get there: You can get to Hopkins by flying to the Dangriga Airstrip from Belize International Airport. By road it should take you around 2:30 hours.More: For a great stay, we recommend Hamanasi, a perfect boutique resort to use a base to explore the country. 7. Explorando el mágico Lago Titicaca, Peru y Bolivia

Lake Titicaca is a magic lake, full of myths and taboos surrounded by the most welcoming aymaran families. The islands of Titicaca (Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon) are full of culture, life and natural beauty. They are an opportunity to explore the history expressed in dances handicrafts and textile tradition cultivated since ancient inca times.How to get there: To explore Lake Titicaca you can do it from Peruvian Puno, or from Bolivian, Copacabana (3 hours away from La Paz).More: A glimpse to the best tours to explore the lake8. Paseando por la colonial Puebla, México

Nestled in the center of México, the city of Puebla was, according to the legend, created and laid out by angels to be enjoyed by the mortals. The city’s magnificent monuments of Spanish colonial architecture earned it the name of Heritage City. Visit its central street filled with buildings, façades, gardens and balconies reflecting the history and changes which have taken place over the years.

How to get there: Puebla is located 80 miles away from México City.More: A wonderful place to stay while visiting the historic centre is Mesones Sacristía, a charming villa from the XIX century

It has been a really exciting year for us in Zuvy. To celebrate we wanted to share with you the best wildlife and nature pictures received from the travel providers we work with. Imagine how lucky they are to work sorrounded by all this beauty. Hope you like them!

About Me

I am a São Paulo based traveler, consultant and entrepreneur.
I am a passionate traveler that has visited over 35 countries. My traveling obsession is to avoid the mass and getting where nobody gets to. I love exploring new places, meeting the locals, enjoying pristine nature and practicing adventure sports. Excellent food and a charming small hotel give the final touch to wonderful journeys.